Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

59.

My breathing comes in short, shallow bursts, each exhale misting in the crisp, cold air as I hunch over, hands resting on my knees. Sweat trickles down my forehead, and I swipe at it impatiently, letting out a long, weary sigh. The chill of the winter morning bites at my skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of the exertion still coursing through me. I straighten, stretching out my stiff muscles, and my gaze roams over the melting snow, now a patchwork of slush and remnants of winter. The slow thaw of the season paints a picture of transition, the snow giving way to the soft, earthy tones beneath. A small, contented smile tugs at my lips as I admire this gradual, yet beautiful change.

As I resume my jog, the rhythmic crunch of my footsteps on the snow is the only sound breaking the serene silence of the forest. The air is filled with the fresh, invigorating scent of pine and earth, grounding me in the peacefulness of the moment. However, this tranquility is disrupted when I notice a raven perched on a nearby branch, its dark, piercing eyes locked onto me with an unsettling intensity. I tilt my head, squinting at the bird, feeling a strange shiver crawl down my spine. It sits perfectly still as if it's studying me, making my heart flutter with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. It's just a bird, I tell myself, shaking off the unease with a deep breath.

I push forward along the winding forest path, each stride bringing me further into the embrace of the woods. The cold air fills my lungs, and I can see my breath as it mingles with the frosty atmosphere. After about ten minutes, I slow down to catch my breath, glancing at my watch. The time shows that I still have a solid hour before I need to head back, plenty of time to enjoy the solitude and the gentle sounds of nature.

Turning to retrace my steps, I spot another raven perched on a different branch, its beady eyes fixed on me in a way that feels almost... deliberate. My brows knit together as I meet its gaze, feeling a ripple of discomfort. The bird's eyes seem to follow me with a haunting precision, an eerie sense of purpose that sends a shiver down my spine. Is it... following me?

I scoff quietly, trying to dismiss the growing discomfort. It's just a coincidence. Ravens are common in these parts. I quicken my pace, trying to shake off the sensation of being watched, but the feeling lingers like an unwelcome shadow.

As I jog back toward the cabin, the forest path seems to close in around me, the shadows growing longer with each step. The previously inviting woods now appear darker, the branches stretching out like skeletal fingers. Suddenly, a dark blur flashes past my peripheral vision. I gasp, startled. My foot catches on something hidden beneath the snow, and I stumble, hitting the ground hard. The impact jars through my body, and pain flares through my scraped palms as I stare at the reddened skin, breathing sharply from the force of the fall.

Slowly, I look up and see the same raven perched on a branch above me, its gaze unblinkingly fixed on me. The sight of the bird, seemingly indifferent to my predicament, only heightens my unease.

What the hell?

Pushing myself up with an urgency that matches my rising panic, I dash down the path, my heart pounding and the sting in my chest forgotten in my desperate rush. "Loki?" I call out as I burst through the cabin door, my voice strained and my clothes disheveled from the run.

Loki jumps up from the couch, his expression instantly shifting from calm to concerned. "What's wrong, my love?"

"There's-- there's a raven following me," I stammer, my voice trembling with the remnants of fear. The words feel strange on my tongue, as if speaking them makes the situation even more surreal.

"A raven?" His brows furrow in confusion, his concern deepening as he takes in my distressed state.

"I know it sounds crazy, but it was there while I was running. Every time I stopped, it was there. Just one raven. And then, as I was running back, it flew past me and I tripped and fell," I explain, holding out my scraped palms for him to see. The rawness of my hands is a stark contrast to the delicate appearance of the raven. I catch the darkening look in his eyes as he shifts his gaze from my hands to the open door.

"Loki?" I call, sensing his sudden shift in demeanor. Without a word, he strides outside, and I follow, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and curiosity.

We step onto the porch and look out into the cold winter air. Perched on a high branch are two ravens, side by side, their dark eyes reflecting the fading light of the day as they watch us intently. The sight of the two birds, so closely aligned, feels almost ominous, their presence a stark contrast to the serene beauty of the forest.

"What is it?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper, the chill in the air mingling with the lingering tension from my run.

His gaze remains fixed on the ravens, a hint of concern etched into his features. "Those ravens," he begins, turning to me with a solemn expression, "are not ordinary birds. They are connected to my father, Odin."

I stare at him, my heart racing with a mix of fear and confusion. "What do you mean?"

He takes a deep breath, his eyes softening as he meets my gaze. "It means that he's watching, but it doesn't mean anything dangerous is happening right now. Ravens are often messengers, not threats. I know this is unsettling, but you're safe here with me."

I take a deep breath, trying to absorb his words. He steps closer, taking my hands gently in his, his warmth seeping into my cold fingers. "Nothing is going to happen. I promise you that. We should be cautious, but there is no need for alarm."

His words soothe me, the warmth of his touch offering a balm to my frayed nerves. I lean into him, grateful for the comfort he provides. "Thank you," I whisper, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly.

He pulls me into a reassuring embrace, his voice a gentle murmur against my ear. "You have my word, Cassie. We'll face whatever comes together."

As we stand there, wrapped in each other's arms, the ravens remain perched, watching silently. The forest seems to hold its breath, the quiet punctuated only by the soft rustle of leaves. With Loki's promise echoing in my mind, I feel a flicker of calm amidst the uncertainty. The shadows of the forest may linger, but with him by my side, I feel ready to face whatever might come our way.